2. analog
  3. 1325647942

Love the shelter 501MK2, what's the next step

...if I was to budget up to $5000.00....

The Shelter is currently partnered with an Oracle Delphi MK VI, SME 345 Tonearm, Sutherland PHD, Primaluna Dialogue 3 Pream, Primaluna Dialogue 7 w/KT-77 tubes, Gallo Ref 3.5 and Nordost Tyr cable all around.

I have lots of CD, I also have a Mac mini server for convenience, so when I sit down for some vinyls I do want midrange lushness, great tonal range, great depth and sound-staging.

I only got back into analog 4 years ago and I listen mostly to well recorded jazz, vocals not much Pop/Rock. I selected the shelter with a second hand Avid Diva as a starter and kept the cartridge when I move up to the Oracle a few months ago. I really like the sound, I am not looking at fixing anything in particular, just wandering if I am missing something that I don't know that I am wanting as I have not much exposure with other cartridge.

Should I stay with the shelter 501? or am I missing something? Up to 5K budget.
firewall
firewall OP
5 posts
 
You guys are very good at spending someone else money!

Based on the reply so far on the associated equipment.
Is my shelter one of the best cartridge that a Phono preamp and a tonearm can take advantage of?

I do like SQ that I have already. As I mentionned at the beginning, I am wondering if any other cartridge would make me happier while keeping the the sound signature that I currently have.

The suggested cartridge are so far:
Shelter Harmony
Lyra Kleos
Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood

Anyone with an Oaracle delphi MK VI and Oracle SME 345 tonearm to chip in?
firewall OP
5 posts
 
---------- Correction -----------

Is my shelter one of the best cartridge that a Phono preamp and a tonearm can take advantage of?

should have read:

Is my shelter one of the best cartridge that MY Phono preamp and MY tonearm can take advantage of?
goatwuss
877 posts
 
If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Seriously - if you are happy with your analog system I wouldn't mess with it. Change one variable and it could mess up a bunch of others.

Spend the money on improving your room acoustics instead
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear Firewall: I don't kniow if your PHD can honor a different cartridge in better way but what I'm sure is that a better Phonolepreamp can improve your overall system quality performance including ( obviously ) that 501.
in the other side I don't see a trouble with your SME 345.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
jeff1225
172 posts
 
I have a Shelter 501 and 5000 and have to say that they are very close sonicly. I have to agree with Audiofeil, upgrade your tone arm.
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